St. Petersburg is not known for their skyline, as most of their buildings are not very high, but rather known for its unique set up. Made up of 42 islands, Russia tours through the area will bring visitors across the "Venice of the North's" distinctive character highlighted through its numerous bridges and islands.
St. Petersburg is a cultural attraction for architectural buffs due to its host of intricately designed buildings and multitude of museums. The vast amounts of 18th and 19th century architecture gives the city a unique personality.
A fairly young city in terms of Russian history, St. Petersburg’s main island of Vasilievsky Ostrov, or Vasilii's Island, was planned as the city center in the early 1700s. Peter the Great forced prominent figures to move to the area and built the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, which was the first museum in the region. The area is home to more of the city’s most historical attractions and famous architecture as well, especially along the eastern edge of the island, including the Cathedral of St. Andrew, which was the last Baroque church to be built in the city.
Krestovsky Ostrov, or Island of the Cross, is one of the largest of the islands and a popular destination for locals. The island has minimal historical attractions, but serves as a laid-back destination with parks, restaurants and many recreational areas.
With vast green areas and connections with Russia’s most well-known scientists, Aptekarsky Ostrov has a modern history more interesting than most other islands. Alexander Popov, which the Russians credited with inventing radio, and Ivan Pavolv, who was a physiologist known for working with dog reflexes both worked on the island in the late 19th century. The island, also known as Apothecary Island, has beautiful botanical gardens and plots of land that were once used for medicinal herbs to be grown.
Since the city is spread out across various islands, the city’s 342 bridges are a sight of their own. St. Petersburg is also home to roughly 800 small bridges and 100 private bridges in ports, marinas and yacht clubs. Bright lights of large drawbridges, like the Palace Bridge, reflect off the water, giving travelers a spectacular photo opportunity. Constructed with decorative sphinxes, lions and horses and simple and modern designs, each bridge acts as an art piece in the city.
